Machine for stretching and drying tubular fabrics



3 SHES-SHEET l..

Patentdv Aug. 19, 1919. l

SSS.

APPIICATION FILED AUGJ. |911.

MACHINE EUR STRETCHNG AND DRYING TU'BLAB FABRICS.

S. COHN.-

I MACHINE FOR SVTRETCHING AND-DRYING T QBULAR FABRICS.

APPLICATION man Auw'. m1. Patented Allg'. 19, 1919.

3 SHEETS-S MEET 2.

S. COHN.

` MACHINE FOR STRUCHING AND DRYING TUBULAR FABRICS.

APPLICATIONFILED AUG, l, 1911- I Patented Aug. 19, 1919 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

' @Mam/W67,

sAMUEL coi-1N, or NEW Yonx, N. Y.

MACHINE FOR STRETCHING DRYIN G 'DUBULAR FABRICS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 19, 1,919.v

Application med August 1, 1917. serial No. 183,929.

To all whom t may concern:

' Beit known that I, SAMUEL CoHN, acitizen of the United States, and a resident of theborough of vBronx, city and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful .Improvements in Machines for Stretching and Drying Tubular Fabrics, of which the following is a specification. y

, The present invention relates to a machine for stretching and drying tubular fabrics whereby they may be drled while evenly stretched, and the machine is particularly .useful `for drying knitted tubular fabrics' from which incandescent gas mantles are made.-

The object of the present machine is to evenly stretch atubular fabric both laterally and lengthwise whereby it may bedried The fabric in evenly stretched conditlon. is propelled in a continuous iece.. over a mandrel which lies inside the tu ularfabric, and by means which exert a continuous and `even propelling stressI upon the fabric, so

that allparts thereof are stretched to the same extent and degree. Preferably, though not necessarily, the same means which propel the fabric over the mandrel also support the mandrel and hold it in 'its proper position within the fabric.

Another object of my invention is tov prvide simple and effective devices for Jcirculating heated air currents against the tubular fabric to more rapidly dry it while it is beingstretched. It will be understood that the fabric maybe dried under ordinary atmospheric conditions while it is stretched, butin order todry it more rapidly, and thus shorten the time of the drying operation, it

is preferable to apply heatedair evenly upon the tubular fabric.

Attempts have been made to propel a continuous tubular fabric over a mandrel for stretching and drying it, but the present ma- 'chine is an improvement in that the fabric is more evenly stretched and it is stretched both laterally and lengthwise and it is moved evenly over the mandrel by a rolling action.

In the drawings forming part of this' application Figure 1 is a v`ertical sectional view of the invention and is taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 4, s p l -Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view and is taken on the line 2-2 of Figs/1,

Fig. 3 is an elevation of the air heating` and circulating members,

Fig. 3a is a. detail view of the heating y chamber,

4 is an end elevation of the machine, ockmg at the end Where the yfabric is rst Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1,

Fig.A 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the receiving end of the mandrel, and some of lthe rollers,

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken'on the line 7 7 of Fig. 6,'

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6, Fig. 9 is a sectionalview taken on the line l 9--9 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 10 isa sectlonal view taken on the line 10-10 of Fig. 9,-

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing the receiving end of the mandrel with the fabric omitted, and l Fig. 12 is a sectional vview taken on the line 12-12 0f Fig. 2.

l The fabric is stretched over a member lying -within it and which will be referred to herein as a mandrel. The length of this vmember will depend upon how fast thefabric may be dried and upon how fast the fabric is to'be advanced, but the method herein shown of advancing" the fabric renders it possible to move the fabric over aA suiciently long mandrel to accomplish the desired results.

In the drawings the mandrel 1 is shown as having a receiving end 2 Ion which the tubular fabric 3 is irst'received from any source of supply, `and after the fabric has been impregnated and while itis still wet. There 'is a gradually tapering part 4A following the member 2 and the fabric in passing along the part 4 is gradually opened up. There are lateral ribs 5 along each 'side of the tapering member 4 which prepare the fabric to be received properly over the lateral plates or Wings. From the larger diameter at 7 the mandrel gradually tapers down conically at 8 to the intermediate connecting -portion or neck 9, the part 8 forming an y drawn over it.

a dimension greater t an the diameter of the neck 9 over which it subsequently passes.

Instead of the fabric being allowed to draw back to a smaller diameter it begins to pass over the laterally proj ecting'wings or plate 6 which are so [proportioned-that, together with the neck 9 they will keep the fabric extended to about the same size when itpassed'dtover the part 7 `only the shape of the fabric will change from circular to the contour shown in Fig. 8 while passing over the neck 9 and plates 6. At 11 the mandrel is of the maximum diameter. Beyond this position the mandrel preferably, though notnecessarlly, comprises theshell v12, having a number of projecting ribs 13 over which the fabric travels. The object of theseribs is to reduce the area of contact of the'fabric and mandrel during a part 'of its travel over-the mandrel 1n order that the latter vhay be longer and still( permit the fabric to be The circumference of the ribbed portion of the mandrel is preferably slightly smaller than the part 11 in order that the fabric may start more' freely over the ribbed portion by reason of its hav-I v ing passed over the part 11 of larger diameter.

Beyond the ribs 13 the .mandrel is smooth and cylindrical at 14 for the greater part of the remainder of' its le h.

' Beyond the cylindrical 14 the mandrel again tapers smaller in ,cone shape at 15 to form another abutment surf-ace and it forms a tubular neck, at 16 and again enlarges conically forming another abutment surface V17. The end of the mandrel is flattened at' 18 and the fabric passes from this end between the rollers 19, 20. At each side of the neck 16 there are lateral plates 21 of rubbe which, with the neck 16 retain the fabric stretched to the same d ee as when it passes over the part 14 but t e contour of the abric at this position is as' shown in Fig. 9.

To advance the fabric over the mandrel I employ rollers which operate on the fabric' so that the latter w-ill not 'only advance but so that the stretching action will be uniform. At opposite sides of the neck ortion 9, there are rollers 22, 23 which lie Just under the lateral plates 6 andwhich press the fabric against these plates. -At opposite sides of the neck 6 there are other rollers '24, 25 which press on the fabric and against the upper sides of the plates 6. The several rollers are mounted upon suitableshafts 26 journalled in supports 27 and driven by any suitable driving means.

-The rollers 22-25 are'preferably resilient 'and have a frictional surface and for this purpose they may be made partly or wholly r. The -rollers 22-25 not only engage the fabric on the plates 6 but they lie' partly be-` or loops 'tween the abutn'ien': surfaces 8 and 10 and and up the cone 10.

' Near the take olf end of the mandrel there is asimilar set of rollers. The rollers 28, 29 are at o p'osite sides of the neck 16 and press the falliricon the under surfaces of the plates 21; while the rollers 30, 31 press the fabric on the upper surfaces of these plates. The rollers 28-31 are shown extending into the space betweenthe abutment surfaces 15 and 17 so that they press the fabric on these. The rollers'28-31 may also be made partly or wholly of` rubber, and the they are mounted on shafts 32 and revolved by any suitable driving means. The peri heral speed of the rollers 28-31 is preferab y lgreater than that of the rollers 22-25 and this may be provided for by turning the former faster than the latter. `When the tubular fabric has been properly placed over the mandrel and the several rollers set into operation the first set of rollers, 22-25, will draw the fabric over the e`11d2 and .the conical part 4 by frictional engagement with the fabric against the pates 6 and against the conical parts 8 and These rollers also push the fabric over the part 11 of the mandrel so that plaits 33 are formed in the fabric as it passes over this enlarged part of the mandrel. Without this pushing action it is only possible for the rollers 28-31 to pull the fabric over a very short length of mandrel, Whereas with the pushing action at the receiving end the take up or drawing rollers 28-31 may advance The plaits 33 are formed by manipulating the fabric when it is first placed into the machineand they continuev to form at the receiving end of the mandrel, ibut they disappear where the tension is exerted on the fabric. From the part 11 the fabric travels over the ri fs 13 and the stretching effect of the rol ers 28-31 increases as the fabric approaches these rollers. The rollers 28-31 acting on the fabric against the plates 21 andthe abutment surfaces l5, 17 draw the fabric and advance it continuously over the mandrel.

As the fabric leaves the part 11 the plaits aduaflly separate and diminish, until final y they disappear altogether and the fabric over a much longer mandrel.

the fabric becomes smooth. The fabric is of the fabric on the mandrel increases, the

farther the fabric travels on the mandrel. This istrue even if themandrel/is substanlng area. The drawing action ofthe rollidly. It affects the fabric uniformly' ers` 28-31 stretches the tubular fabric lengthwise while the mandrel keeps it under lateral tension. l

It is to be understood that the fabric is drying while passing over the mandrel but it cannot shrink because of the double stretching action.

1t will be apparent that the stretching action of the rollers is uniform at all times and that they aect the fabric the same throughout its length.

It will be apparent that the several roll- -ers, by engaging the platesl 6 and 21, and

the abutment surfaces ,8', 10 and 15, 17 not only support the mandrel but prevent its moving laterally and longitudinally and from turnin l The princlple of the invention is in havingat least one set of rollers, such as28-31 to frictionally engage the fabric andby the rolling pressure to advance it with an even stretching action over.l a stationary mandrel by engagement between abutment surfaces of the mandrel. In the preferred form of the invention the pushin rollers 22-25 are also employed and t e same rollers which act upon the fabric support the man.

`drel and hold it in place.

I have provided simple` and, effective means for drying the fabric while it is being evenly stretched. This comprises means for blowlng a current of air on the lfabric and the air may be-irst heated to increase its effectiveness There is a tube 34-surrounding the mandrel 1 and of larger diameter, thus forming an annular air space 35 around the fab-` ric. There is a hood 36 by means of which the current of air is admitted to the annular space 35 although the air may be introduced into this space in any other way. Thle pipe 37 suppliesthe air to the hood 36 whereby a current of air is passed over v the fabric while it is traveling over and being stretched on the mandrel. Owing to the air being confined in the tube 34 it passes over the fabric at a high velocity and thereby the fabric is dried very rap- @throughout By controlling the condition chamber 38 heated by a gas burner 39 or any other heating device.

of the air which enters the tube and by controlling the speed at which the fabric moves it s possible to dry the fabric uniformly.

To heat the air there may be provided' a from this chamber is drawn through a pipe 40 by a blower 41 and the blower forces the air through the outlet pipe 37 to the hood. If the pipe 37 passes through the chamber 38 the air in the pipe is further heated before it enters the drying tube.

With this dryingdevlce the air is passed The heated air evenly and with great velocity overv the fabric and the latter is dried rapidly and evenly.

Having described my invention what I claim is:

1. A machine for l evenly stretching a tubularpfa'bric, comprising a mandrel supported by rolling supports, over which mandrel the tubular fabric is adapted to be advanced continuously past the rolling supports, said mandrel having abutment surfaces, and rolling members exerting a rolling pressure on the fabric and against themandrel, said rolling members lengag- -ing the mandrel between said abutment surfaces.

2. A machine forl evenly stretching a tubularfabric, comprising a mandrel supported by rollin supports and over which mandrel the tubu ar fabric is adapted to be advanced, said mandrel having abutment sur.- faces, and rolling members exertinga rollv` ing pressure on the fabric and against the mandrel, said -mandrel lying between the rolling members and said rolling members engaging the mandrel ment surfaces.

3. A machine for evenly stretching a tubular fabric, comprising a mandrel supported by rolling supports over which the tubular fabric is adapted to` be. advanced said mandrel having abutment surfaces and rolling members exerting a rolling pressure on the fabric and a ainst the mandrel and adapted to advance t e fabric over the between said abutmandrel and to support the latter, .saidrolling members engaging the mandrel between said abutment surfaces.

4:.` A machine for -evenly stretching a tubular fabric, comprising a mandrel support- 1n -roing members spaced apart lengthwise of the mandrel andadapted to operate by a rolling pressure on the tubular fabric against the mandrel and between said abutment surfaces. to advance the tubular fabric over the mandrel.

6. A machine for evenly stretching a tu. bular fabric, comprising a mandrel supported by rolling supports over which mandrel the tubular fabric is adapted to beA advanced, said mandrel being circumferened rolling supports over Whichthe tubu- 4 tially grooved to form adjacent abutment surfaces and rolling members opposite each other and l ing in said groove, said rollers exerting ro ling pressure onA the fabric and against said abutment. surfaces to vadvance Athe fabric over the mandrel. f

7. A machme for evenly stretching a tu' bular fabric, comprising a mandrel supported by rolling supports over which malfdrel the tubular fabric is adapted to be advanced, said mandrel being circumferentially grooved to form adjacent abutment 'surfaces and rolling members opposite each other and lying in said groove said rollers exerting a rolling pressure on the fabric and against the mandrel and adapted te advance the fabric over the mandrel and to support lthe latter, said rolling members engaging the mandrel between said abutment surfaces.

8. A machine for evenly stretching` a4 tubular fabric, comprising a mandrel sup-- ported by rolling supports over which mandrel the tubular fabric is. adapted to .be advanced, saidV mandrel being grooved circumferentially to form adjacent abutment surfaces, and rolling members ofyieldable 4material opposite each other and lying in said groove, said rollers exerting a rolling'- pressure on the tubular fabric and against the mandrel, to advance the fabric said rolling members engaging the mandrel between said abutment surfaces.

9. A machine for stretching a tubular fabric comprising a mandrel over which the fabric is adapted to be advanced, and grooved circumferentially to form adjacent abutment surfaces, and a plurality of pairs of rolling members, said pairs being spaced apart lengthwise of the mandrel and adapted to operate by a rolling pressure on the tubular fabric against the mandrel the rollers of each pair lying in one of said grooves and between adjacent abutment surfaces,

l and adapted to advance the tubular fabric over the mandrel.

10. A machine for stretching a tubular fabric comprising a mandrel over which the tubular fabric is adapted to be advanced, said mandrel being grooved circumferential-1y to form adjacent inclined surfaces and having laterally `extending plates near the groove and rollers lying opposite each other', lying in said grooves .and engaging opposite sides of said plates and acting on the tubular fabric by lrolling pressure to-.advance th tubular fabric over-.the mandrel.

11. A machine for stretching av tubular fabric comprising'a mandrel over which the tubular fabric .is adapted to be advanced,

lsaid mandrel being grooved circumferentially to form adjacent inclined surfaces and having laterally extending plates near the groove and rollers opposite eachother, lying in said groove and engaging opposite sides of said platesand engaging said inclined surfaces and acting on the tubular fabric by a rolling pressure to advance itl bers lying opposite eachother and engaging between other adjacent abutment surfaces andacting beyond said portion of the mandrel of larger diameter by rolling pressure on the tubular fabric and against the mandrel to draw the fabric as ,it is advanced by said first mentioned rolling members.

Signed at the city, county and State of ANew York, this 20th day of July, 1917.

SAMUEL coHN. 

